To find a physiotherapist in your area,

visit www.mbphysio.org and click on:

“Find a Physiotherapist.” To learn more about

the many ways physiotherapy is improving

the health and mobility of Manitobans,

visit our website for useful information and

resources.

www.mbphysio.org

www.physiocanhelp.ca

PHYSIOTHERAPY

essential

to your health, mobility and independence!

How can I find a physiotherapist near me?

Manitoba Physiotherapy Association

145 Pacific Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2Z6

204-925-5701, 1-877-925-5701

Email: ptassociation@mbphysio.org

Do I need a referral from a doctor?No, physiotherapists are primary health care

professionals just like doctors and dentists meaning

you can go directly to a physiotherapist. You do not

require a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist.

However, some insurance plans require a doctor’s

referral, so it is best to check on your coverage.

Who pays for physiotherapy services?Manitoba Health covers physiotherapy treatment

that is provided in a hospital setting. In a private

clinic setting most extended health benefits plans

cover physiotherapy services. In addition, Manitoba

Public Insurance, the Workers’ Compensation Board

and the Department of Veterans Affairs pay for

physiotherapy services when applicable.

What is physiotherapy?Physiotherapy is the primary health care profession

that promotes wellness, mobility and independent

function. Physiotherapists have advanced under-

standing of how the body moves, what keeps it from

moving well and how to restore mobility.

Can physiotherapy help me?• Physiotherapists manage and prevent many

physical problems caused by illness, disability and disease, sport and work related injuries, aging, and long periods of inactivity.

• Physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and hands-on management of a broad range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.

Physiotherapy can help:

• Address physical challenges associated with pain, arthritis, repetitive strain injury etc.

• Assist in the management of incontinence

• Attend to sports injuries and provide advice on prevention and recurrence

• Help manage the physical complications of cancer and its treatment

• Manage and treat neck and back pain and other joint injuries

• Maximize mobility for clients with neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury or Parkinson’s disease

• Oversee rehabilitation in the home after injury or illness

• Pre-and post-natal care and other women’s health conditions

• Provide care for children with paediatric conditions such as developmental delay, fractures, cardiorespiratory and orthopaedic conditions

• Recovery after surgery

• Treat and manage respiratory and cardiac conditions

Physiotherapists care about your goals!Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be as

unique and individual as you are, and your active

participation will be essential for success. Your

physiotherapist will develop your treatment plan in

close consultation with you and adjust it during the

course of therapy in keeping with your goals and

personal circumstances. Depending on your needs,

your physiotherapist will draw upon a number

of practice skills that will assist in developing a

comprehensive and customized treatment plan.

Practice skills:

• Corrective techniques to improve heart and lung function and cardiac conditioning

• Electrical modalities and acupuncture

• Manual therapy interventions to reduce pain and stiffness

• Posture and gait retraining and individualized conditioning regimes

• Techniques to correct muscle imbalances and postural alignment

• Techniques to improve movement coordination and balance

• Techniques and modalities that reduce pain

• Therapeutic exercise to build strength, flexibility and mobility

How does Physiotherapy work?Physiotherapists assess and analyze the effect of

illness, disability, injury and inactivity and develop

specific treatment plans based on their assessment

and the individual client’s goals.

Your physiotherapist will follow these four steps to

get you moving as optimally as possible:

1) Assess your level of mobility, strength and endurance

2) Diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan to restore movement and reduce limitations, including pain

3) Prescribe and demonstrate specific therapeutic exercises and monitor your progress over time

4) Prepare you for independence with advice on how to manage your condition

www.physiocanhelp.ca www.mbphysio.org